This wearable gadget measures skin oxygen levels to detect and diagnose early signs of illness

An aesthetically designed medical gadget to detect all the problems that prop up from the dysfunction of underlying skin tissues and capillaries which can be problematic in the long run.

Detecting the first signs of ailment is a determinant in the future treatment and the overall health of an individual. For people with some kind of disease related to peripheral capillaries like peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it becomes even more important to take proactive action once it is identified. Designer Deokhee Jeong has come up with a wearable medical gadget to help patients suffering from this problem to keep a close tab on the earliest signs. This is done by measuring the skin oxygen levels accurately courtesy of the wearable patch Deokhee calls the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor.

The wearable medical gadget is still in the concept prototype stage but unlike other designs, this is created in complete synergy between the design team who give direction to the aesthetic requirements and the technology team who ideate the concept. The end result, a functional gadget that solves the intended purpose while being aesthetically ideal for practical usage. Here it is, the accurate detection of blood oxygen levels of the skin tissue and underlying vessels and capillaries. The oxygen detector is designed for ASON Co. Ltd. and it is highly likely it will make it to the mass consumer market in a couple of years.

Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor uses luminescent gas sensing and soft electronics technology to make the readings. It is far more superior to the SPO2 sensor and much simpler than some of the methods used to detect the disease by medical professionals. Things like Pulse volume recording (PVR) waveform analysis, Photoplethysmography (PPG), Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or Doppler ultrasound flow studies.

The design team and the techie minds come together to blur out all the hassle of these methods and consolidate them inside this compact medical gadget that’s wearable. The patient has to simply stick it onto the back of the hand and the wrist area to do the test. When everything is done, simply put it in the pocket or the closet for next time use. It is that compact!

Designer: Deokhee Jeong